BLUFFTON, SC – A fire on Pineapple Drive in the Sun City community on Saturday, August 17, 2024, resulted in the total loss of a home. The fire was reported around 6:45 p.m. Thanks, in part, to the quick actions of neighbors and firefighters, two residents were able to escape out the back patio door of the home. Both individuals were transported to local hospitals for treatment of smoke-related injuries. Their condition is currently unknown.
Firefighters rescued a dog from the home and attempted to resuscitate it, but despite their best efforts, the dog did not survive. The fire was brought under control within 20 minutes and fully extinguished within 50 minutes. Firefighters from Bluffton Township Fire District Stations 31, 34, 35, 37, and 38 responded, alongside Beaufort County EMS, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, and Sun City Security.
Fire Chief Paul Boulware, who was on the scene, credited the prompt response of neighbors and firefighters with the evacuation of the residents. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Fire Marshal’s Office but is not believed to be suspicious in nature.
In light of this incident, residents, particularly those in older sections of Sun City, are reminded to follow these fire safety guidelines:
- Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years old or older.
- Test smoke alarms monthly.
- Change smoke alarm batteries at least once per year.
- Equip homes with working fire extinguishers and carbon monoxide alarms if gas appliances are present.
- Develop and practice a home fire escape plan and establish a safe meeting place away from the home.
- Never attempt to re-enter a burning home for any reason.
For more information, please contact the Fire Marshal’s Office at (843) 757-2800. Photos from the scene will be provided with this release.